Nissan GT-R

The Car Connection Nissan GT-R Overview

The Nissan GT-R is a 2+2 sportscar that posts some of the fastest acceleration times of any production vehicle. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 that issues power to all four wheels with the help of advanced electronics, the GT-R delivers performance on par with supercars costing twice its price or more.

The so-called R35 generation made its debut in 2007, but we received it in the United States for the 2009 model year.

Nissan's GT-R competes with the more powerful versions of the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and Audi R8, among many others. Though its price has climbed steadily since it was introduced in the U.S., the Nissan GT-R continues to represent a relative value in the super-performance car world.

The 2017 GT-R gets its most extensive update since it was released. It adds 20 horsepower, and gets an extensively revised suspension tuning, an updated interior, a new infotainment system, an styling tweaks front and rear.

The most noticeable exterior changes are to the front end, which gets a version of Nissan's "V-Motion" grille with a new mesh pattern and a matte finish. The revised front lip spoiler and bumper design add downforce, and the hood has more pronounced character lines. Along the sides, the sills are pushed outward to improve airflow and the 20-inch wheels feature a new 15-spoke design. The rear end gets new bodywork, with functional vents next to the quad exhaust tips. Nissan says these changes make the car more stable at high speeds while maintaining the same 0.26 coefficient of drag. A new Blaze Metallic orange color is also added to the color palette.

The changes inside include a new dashboard, with an emphasis on a horizontal layout and an instrument panel wrapped in Nappa leather. An 8.0-inch touchscreen replaces a 7.0-inch unit, and the number of knobs and switches have been reduced from 27 to 11. A Display Command controller is added to the center console, and the car gets the NissanConnect system with navigation and access to mobile apps. The seats are lighter thanks to a new construction technique. The shift paddles also move from the steering column to the steering wheel.

In addition to the new interior look, the 2017 GT-R is quieter inside thanks to more sound deadener and an acoustic glass windshield. The Premium Edition model also adds Rakuda Tan to its list of color choices.

The GT-R draws on a heritage of performance from a long line of Japanese-market Nissan Skyline sport coupes, not all of which were top-shelf sports cars. Today, just a quick look at the GT-R's spec sheet is enough to see that it qualifies as a supercar. It has a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6, now making 565 horsepower (up from 473 hp at its introduction) and 467 pound-feet of torque, and its unique design features the engine in front, the transmission in back, and all-wheel drive to put all that power to the road.

From behind the wheel, the GT-R delivers dizzying acceleration, including 0-60 times of under 3 seconds and a top speed upward of 193 mph. Shifting is handled by a dual-clutch, automated manual gearbox. In normal driving, it's hard to scratch the surface of the GT-R's performance potential, but once on a tight road or a racetrack the combination of the immense power and sophisticated all-wheel-drive components brings a video-game-like experience—the car manages things that seem impossible, creating a surreal feeling of detachment for the driver. That said, handling is excellent and the variable power-split all-wheel-drive system not only makes the car fast, but also safe and easy to operate.

The GT-R's shape is nowhere near as exotic as those of most of its competitors; Nissan's all-wheel-drive coupe can appear downright blocky and chunky from afar. Once you approach, however, you start to see the details, like its cantilevered roofline, big rear wing, and iconic circular taillights. Inside the GT-R, there's a very driver-focused feel, something different from all other Nissan products, with a center screen designed and programmed with help from video game makers.

After its release in the U.S., Nissan updated the GT-R nearly every year, especially in the performance department. The 2010 model year brought a brake upgrade that consisted of more rigid lines, and there was an update to the stability-control programming. A Cold Weather package, an iPod interface, and forged RAYS wheels with a smoked finish were added as well. There were two trim levels for 2012, base and Premium, with the more expensive one including upgraded Bose audio and heated seats.

Nissan discontinued the Launch Control feature early on due to excessive warranty claims. Since launch control had helped yield the GT-R's excellent acceleration times—with some testers saying the GT-R was a second or more slower to 60 mph without it—Nissan restored it in a limited way for the 2012 model year, while it also boosted total output to 530 hp. Those changes brought the supercar's 60-mph runs down to about 3.0 seconds, according to buff-book numbers. Other changes for the 2012 model year included a special Black Edition and revised interior trim.

Nissan brought a more extensive round of improvements for 2014. In addition to some structural reinforcements, the new GT-R got revised suspension mounts that lowered its center of mass. A special Track Edition was also offered. Peak output for the engine remained at 545 hp and 463 lb-ft, though mid-range response was improved with high-output fuel injectors and revised turbochargers. Pricing rose to a base of $99,590.

The 2015 Nissan GT-R brought the Nismo edition to reality, turning the wick up to 600 hp and 480 lb-ft, and setting a new GT-R Nürburgring lap record along the way. A Premium model offered slightly tamer performance with more focus on refinement and luxury, with the base price rising to $101,770, and there was also a GT-R Black Edition. The standard models received some updates, including new LED headlights, a Bose noise-canceling system to reduce engine booming, additional sound insulation, retuned shocks and chassis elements, and a Premium Interior package for the Premium model.

For 2016, the GT-R Premium model got new 20-inch Rays wheels. Nissan also offered a limited run of 45th-anniversary GT-Rs in the U.S.; the model was previously announced for Japan only. Fewer than 30 of the 45th Anniversary Gold Edition cars were imported, at a price of $102,770, and they all came with special gold paint, a gold-tone VIN plate in the engine compartment, and a commemorative plaque on the center console.

The 2017 Nissan GT-R goes on sale this summer and pricing will be announced closer to the market launch. Note, this is expected to be the last major update for the GT-R before the all-new R36 model arrives on the scene, currently thought to be sometime around 2018.

Nissan also borrowed the GT-R name for its oddball Le Mans racer, the GT-R LM Nismo. This unconventional machine used front-wheel drive with monstrous tires in front and also benefited from a hybrid flywheel that could send power to both the front and rear axles. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine was a relative of the street GT-R's. Unfortunately, that car lasted only one rather unsuccessful race season.

The Car Connection Consumer Review

NISSAN 2016 GTR

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It is a great and awesome car with a lot of cool features from the inside to outside. Very good balance of quality-price and so on. It's a car designed to crush cars that could be more expensive and are...
It is a great and awesome car with a lot of cool features from the inside to outside. Very good balance of quality-price and so on. It's a car designed to crush cars that could be more expensive and are supossed to be more powerful.
All the tecnology and packages included in the GTR makes it an unique car. It's just so beautiful and awesome. + More »

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September 16, 2015

2015 Nissan GT-R 2-Door Coupe NISMO

A magic car

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I dont know how nissan make this car i had never seen a performance like this car, this my dream car

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April 16, 2015

For 2013 Nissan GT-R

Great Car.

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I have had the car 3 years. It is fast, handles well and is extremely reliable. Nissan maintenance has been excellent and compared to other high performance cars a real bargain. All the after market products I...
I have had the car 3 years. It is fast, handles well and is extremely reliable. Nissan maintenance has been excellent and compared to other high performance cars a real bargain. All the after market products I have added have taken nothing away from its dependability and added a great deal of horsepower over and above the 545 hp factory.

I drove Porsches for years and I admit I miss them, but the GTR performance is unparalleled up to the turbos.

Dollar for dollar for dollar the GTR is the best bang for the buck. + More »